What we did at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025
As Clerkenwell’s historic streets once again pulsed with creative energy for the 14th edition of Clerkenwell Design Week, the festival reaffirmed its place as a highlight of the global design calendar. Across three days, the district played host to a vibrant mix of installations, exhibitions, and conversations that celebrated innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. For arc magazine, this year’s CDW was particularly meaningful, as we participated in and hosted several thought-provoking talks and inspiring partnerships that spotlighted the evolving role of light in design. From moderating a powerful discussion on inclusive design with Zaha Hadid Architects and Erco, to exploring harmony in design with Artemide in our ‘Design In Balance’ panel, and hosting a book launch for a particularly well-known lighting designer, our editorial team was at the heart of the dialogue this year. Here’s a rundown of what went on.
A standout moment for arc had to be the opportunity to participate in a deeper, more meaningful conversation around the role of design in fostering inclusivity. In collaboration with renowned architectural studio Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and German lighting manufacturer Erco, arc’s Editor Matt Waring moderated a thought-provoking panel at ZHA’s London headquarters. The discussion, titled ‘Inclusive Design: Space, Light + Perception’, explored how design can move beyond accessibility checklists to help create environments that are truly welcoming for all. The panel brought together leading voices from across architecture, lighting, and inclusive design, including Amy Rennie (Buro Happold), Katie Gaudion (Royal College of Art), Bidisha Sinha (Zaha Hadid Architects), and Jim Ashley-Down (Erco), each offered their experiences and knowledge working with a range of products from schools to museums.
Reflecting on the conversation, Ashley-Down notes: “I felt we were able to explore some of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of a complex and evolving subject. What stood out to me is that when it comes to inclusive design, there isn’t a single, definitive answer. Lighting plays a fundamental role in shaping how people perceive and navigate space, making it a critical component in creating environments that welcome and support everyone.” Ashley-Down’s words serve as a reminder that true inclusivity isn’t about reaching a final destination, but about maintaining a commitment to learning, listening, and improving – a mindset the entire panel echoed throughout the session.
On Wednesday, our partnership with Italian lighting brand, Artemide, saw our Managing Editor, Helen Ankers, host ‘Design in Balance’, a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of beauty, performance, and sustainability, particularly in lighting and design. Hosted at The Senator Group, the lunchtime session brought together an inspiring panel of designers and artists, including architect Karen Cook (Spice Design), artist Liz West, and lighting designers Victoria Jerram (Victoria Jerram Lighting Design) and Clementine Fletcher-Smith (Speirs Major Light Architecture). Together, they unpacked the complex balancing act that sits at the heart of contemporary design practice.
Each speaker offered a unique perspective on how they negotiate creativity and constraints in their work. Reflecting on her approach, Karen Cook notes: “Helen asked us what the most important considerations are in our designs and what we are not willing to compromise on, and I believe people inhabiting a space require clarity of form to feel well in their space. Light plays a fundamental role in defining and expressing that clarity of form.”
This idea of light as both a practical and poetic tool was echoed throughout the conversation, from Liz West’s sensory-driven installations to Victoria Jerram and Clementine Fletcher-Smith’s insights into crafting atmospheres that are emotionally resonant and technically precise. The discussion highlighted the importance of freedom in design, as well as the intricacies around balancing client expectations with creating spaces that consider aesthetics, functionality, and connection.
One of the joys of Clerkenwell Design Week is stumbling upon something unexpected, and this year’s art installations did not disappoint, offering playful, provocative interventions throughout the district. In the House of Detention, visitors encountered Feel the Pull by PixelArtworks, a magnetic multi-sensory installation where light and sound responded to invisible forces, creating a hypnotic environment that pulsed, shifted and pulled you deeper.
Elsewhere, architectural practice Jestico + Whiles presented Lumen Drift in Sutton Yard, an evocative collaboration with Architainment Lighting and Studio Fractal. The piece invited visitors to follow the real-life path of Mary Moore and Ann Wade, two women wrongfully imprisoned in Clerkenwell prison and later exiled to Australia, through a tactile forest of illuminated fabrics. Blending narrative, texture, and light, the installation created a poignant journey through history. In keeping with its socially conscious message, materials from Lumen Drift will be donated to the social enterprise Matt + Fiona, with structural elements repurposed for use in Jestico + Whiles’ studio.
The highly anticipated [d]arc thoughts talks programme, sponsored by David Village Lighting, also returned to the House of Detention, with arc hosting conversations with the likes of Conran and Partners, Concrete Amsterdam, dpa lighting consultants, and more. The former Clerkenwell prison also served as the backdrop for the official launch of Stories with Light, a new book written by acclaimed UK lighting designer, Michael Grubb and journalist Francis Pearce. Hosted by [d]arc media, the event was supported by Applelec and GENLED Acolyte, who also provided illuminated illustrations from the book.
Described by its authors as a “cabinet of curiosities”, the book blended storytelling, scientific insights, and cultural commentary to explore light’s multifaceted role in shaping our world, from the everyday to the extraordinary. During a relaxed Q&A session, Grubb and Pearce shared their inspiration for the project and reflected on the unexpected intersections between lighting, design, and human experience. Although not intended to be an “academic” book, it took five years to complete as the pair got lost in their fascination and commitment to delivering truths from the world of light. The book launch finished with an informal drinks party, where fellow designers and industry professionals gathered to celebrate the launch.
Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 was once again a celebration of design in all its forms – both inclusive and, above all, thoughtful. From thought-provoking panels, immersive installations, and celebratory moments with the likes of Stories with Light, the week offered a reminder of how design connects us all through collaboration, curiosity, and the ability to challenge the status quo. For arc, it was a privilege to help facilitate these conversations and champion the designers and ideas pushing the industry forward.
Brokis expands two existing collections
(Czech Republic) – Czech lighting brand Brokis has introduced two new additions to its portfolio with Planets Mini and Night Birds Mini, both scaled-down versions of existing bestsellers designed for greater versatility in compact or custom interiors.
Planets Mini, by design duo Vrtiška & Žák, continues the original collection’s use of weights and pulleys for easy height adjustment. The smaller format allows for single or multi-light installations, with glass shapes offered in sphere, cone, and capsule forms. A new smoke brown matte finish joins the existing smoke grey and triplex opal matte options.
Night Birds Mini, designed by Boris Klimek, refines the motion of the original collection into a more compact format. Each pendant is handcrafted through a two-step glassmaking process, resulting in unique textures and forms. The collection includes three shapes representing different flight phases and now comes in white, dark, and recycled Brokisglass variants.
Both mini collections retain the visual identity of their larger counterparts while offering increased flexibility for interior designers and architects.
Electrolight win coveted IALD Radiance Award
(USA) – The winners of the 2025 IALD International Lighting Design Awards were presented in a ceremony at the Sahara Resort in Las Vegas this month.
The winner of the highest honour, the Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design, was presented to Muru Giligu – Metro Martin Place Pedestrian Link, designed by Electrolight.
Muru Giligu, an innovative Australian project designed by the Sydney-based studio, stood out for its exceptional integration of lighting design with architecture, creating a transformative experience for pedestrians in the urban environment.
Marking its 42nd annual edition of the IALD awards, more than 200 lighting professionals attended to recognise 19 lighting design projects for their extraordinary design. This year’s competition spanned its winners across eight countries, with 13 of the winners including IALD members.
Hosting the awards was Chairperson Uno Lai, IALD, CLD. Lai says: “Our winners represent the pinnacle of lighting design creativity and technical execution. The diversity in projects from across the globe demonstrates how lighting design continues to evolve and enhance our built environment in meaningful ways.”
Other winners include:
- The Palace Theatre, New York – Fisher Marantz Stone
- Artyzen New Bund 31, Shanghai – Brandston Partnership Inc.
- DJI Flagship Store, Shenzhen – Grant Sight Design International
- Seattle Convention Centre Summit Building, Seattle – HLB Lighting Design
- The Luce Memorial Chapel, Taichung City – CosmoC
- The OWO, London – dpa lighting consultants
- Second Nagoya Sanco Building, Japan – Sirius Lighting Office
- Tranquil Downtown Spa, Beijing – L.B.D. Design Technology Co.
- Koto Dining, Canverra – Electrolight
- The Temple of Poseidon, Southion – Eleftheria Deko & Associates Lighting Design
- Church & Courtyard Restoration, Chengdu – DOV Design / CDN Lighting
- New Bund 31vPerforming Arts Centre, Shanghai – Brandston Inc
- Current, Columbus – Zinkon Creative Studio
- Transmerica Pyramid Centre, San Francisco – L’Obervatoire International
- The Matheson, Healdsburg – Electrolight
- Oxman Studio, New York – Tillotson Design Associates
- WNDR Hotel, Jiaxing – Brandston Partnership Inc
- Paris 2024 Olympic Games Village, Paris – Concepto
Graypants expands Levity Collection
(Europe) – Designed in collaboration with Dutch design duo Studio Truly Truly, the lighting brand unveiled its refined Levity series with the introduction of a brass collection.
Originally launched as a study in contrast and control, Levity combines rigid metal frameworks with soft, draped fabric diffusers, resulting in an interplay between structure and movement. The new brass edition amplifies this tension with a warmer, more opulent materiality, aligning visual softness with a sense of tactile richness.
The Levity collection includes three main model types: Halo, Arc, and Bow – each offering variations in shape and scale to suit different architectural and interior settings. The Halo pendants and Bow linear lights feature integrated LED tubes encased in flexible silicone, sheathed in a translucent textile that emits a gentle, diffused glow. These design elements give the fixtures a sculptural presence without overwhelming a space.
Available in two sizes, Halo180 and Halo215, the pendants can offer either a subtle accent or a bold centrepiece. The Bow120 and Bow160 fixtures, with their elongated forms, are well-suited for dining tables, conference rooms or open-plan settings, while the new Arc models (Arc80 and Arc130) introduce a curved geometry that softens the linearity of the collection.
The new brass finish adds a refined edge to the existing models, blending warmth with minimalism and extending the versatility of the collection for both residential and commercial applications.
The series highlights how flexible materials and integrated lighting technology can be composed into forms that feel as emotional as they are engineered.
www.graypants.eu
www.studiotrulytruly.com
Arkoslight introduces Warp by Geckeler Michels
(Spain) – Spanish lighting brand expands into the decorative lighting segment with the launch of Warp – a suspension luminaire developed in collaboration with Berlin-based design studio Geckeler Michels.
Defined by its purity of form and material lightness, Warp explores the interplay between tension, translucency, and gravity. The fixture starts from a simple circular base, and the textile shade is naturally pulled downward, forming an elegant, flowing silhouette. This organic transformation is central to the design concept: the lamp exists in its final form only once gravity is allowed to shape it.
Warp’s textile diffuser is both elastic and translucent, offering a filtered, ambient light effect while maintaining a visually lightweight profile. The use of a flat, integrated LED light source avoids the need for a visible bulb, allowing the continuous fabric surface to remain uninterrupted. The luminaire is available in two sizes and a single black colourway, and it ships flat, emphasising ease of transport and straightforward assembly.
The name “Warp” draws inspiration from astrophysics, referencing the distortion of space-time described in Einstein’s theory of relativity. The design metaphorically reflects the way gravity influences both space and form, an idea that plays out literally in the lamp’s suspended structure.
Designer Geckeler Michels explains,“Warp explores fluidity and transparency of the textile in a simple gesture. A clear and elegant manner, which highlights the behaviour of the material with light.”
Is Beauty a Building Block?
https://vimeo.com/showcase/11485671/video/1034344534
Speaker: Martina Frattura, Founder, The Beauty Movement
Lighting Designer Martina Frattura explores the relationship between beauty and light, while addressing the contemporary relevance of aesthetics in the built environment
Liz West’s exhibition transforms The Mercer Art Gallery
(UK) – British artist Liz West brings a new light exhibition to Harrogate’s The Mercer Art Gallery, inspired by West’s experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD.
H.A.P.P.Y is a counterbalance to West’s personal experience of S.A.D. She experiments with colour and light to create environments that inspire joy and curiosity, and the exhibition runs through the Spring and Summer, a time when West is at her happiest.
At the heart of the exhibition is ‘Our Colour Reflection’, an immersive artwork composed of 765 multi-coloured mirrored discs arranged across the floor, transforming its environment into a vibrant spectacle of shifting colour and luminosity.
Harnessing both natural and artificial light to create an ever-changing landscape of reflections, the mirrors bounce colour onto walls, ceilings, and viewers themselves, encouraging interaction and personal interpretation. As visitors move through the space, their perspectives shift, revealing new combinations of colour and light in an absorbing sensory encounter.
West says: “It’s a great pleasure to be exhibiting my work at The Mercer Art Gallery. I have visited this beautiful spa town many times over the years whilst growing up in Yorkshire. With the window coverings in the elegant Spa Promenade Room being removed for the first time in decades, the interplay of colour and light within the space will be kaleidoscopic and dynamic.”
Curator at The Mercer Gallery, Karen Southbank, adds: “Liz’s work encourages us to become aware of our surroundings in new ways. It leads us to tune into our own emotional responses, memories, and experiences – each person will have an individual and personal reaction. We’re thrilled to host Liz West’s work at The Mercer, it’s a major artist event in North Yorkshire.”
H.A.P.PY will be on display at The Mercer Gallery from 13 April – 5 October 2025. For more information and tickets, click here.
Panel Discussion to explore ‘Design in Balance’ at CDW
(UK) – Design in Balance will take place on 21 May at the Senator Allermuir, focusing on the intersection of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in contemporary design.
The event is presented in partnership between Artemide and [d]arc media and will feature contributions from a range of professionals across architecture, art, and lighting design:
- Karen Cook, Architect, Spice Design
- Liz West, Artist
- Victoria Jerram, Lighting Designer, Victoria Jerram Lighting Design
- Clementine Fletcher-Smith (Rodgers), Lighting Designer, Speirs Major Light Architecture
The conversation will be moderated by Helen Ankers, Managing Editor at [d]arc media.
The panel aims to explore how different aspects of design – beauty, usability, performance, and sustainability – can be integrated to create more balanced outcomes.
The event is open to registered attendees, and RSVPs are required via email to marketing@artemideuk.com. Light refreshments will be provided following the discussion.
Alongside the talk with Artemide, [d]arc media will be running a full talks programme at the House of Detention from 20–22 May for its third consecutive year. The programme brings together designers, architects, and lighting professionals to explore the relationship between light and interior design. Curated by the team at [d]arc media, the talks, sponsored by David Village Lighting, are free to attend.
Explore the full CDW programme here
For all events and talks, attendees must be registered for Clerkenwell Design Week: Register Here
IALD Southern Europe celebrates the International Day
(Europe) – International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is set to celebrate International Day of Light on 14 May with a multi-city, Pecha Kucha event, connecting five cities in one night.
Lighting professionals and educators from Porto, Madrid, Milan, Pula, and Athens will come together, both in person and online, for a night of sharing fast-paced storytelling and shared experiences.
Organised by the coordinators and the LIRC Ambassador of the IALD Southern Europe Chapter, alongside local volunteers and sponsors, the event embraces the Pecha Kucha format - 20 minutes and 20 seconds per slide. Exploring the theme “The 10 Worst Things That Happened to You in Lighting”, speakers will share real moments from their professional journeys – some unexpected, some humorous, all insightful – showing how even the toughest situations can spark creativity, resilience, and growth.
Thanks to the support of O/M, Varona, iGuzzini, LED Luks, and Luun, participants will join live events in person or connect online via Zoom. The event is free of charge, and early registration is encouraged, as seats are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more details and to register, visit https://bit.ly/SEU_PechaKucha
Saule Collection by Larose Guyon
Discover the whimsical creation of the Saule Collection by Canadian studio Larose Guyon. The pendant that is redefining lighting as kinetic art, blending meticulous hand craftsmanship with poetic design to create pieces that move, shimmer, and transform the spaces it occupies.
Félix Guyon and Aubrée Larose, the visionary founders behind Larose Guyon, always knew they were destined for the world of design, long before their creative paths ever crossed. Their mutual fascination with light fixtures became the foundation of a partnership grounded in artistry, function, and emotion. For them, light is more than mere illumination; it’s poetry in its purest form.
This belief gave birth to Larose Guyon, a studio devoted to crafting handmade lighting pieces that embody the beauty of nature while forging a deeper connection between people and their environments. Their latest creation, the Saule collection, is a poetic interpretation of the willow tree, capturing its graceful movement through a whimsical, kinetic design.
The Saule is defined by its hand-shaped leaves that are suspended from elegant, curving brass arches, each crafted with care to reflect the gentle sway of willow branches. Inspired by the principle of equilibrium, similar to a baby’s mobile, the fixture responds softly to the surrounding air, casting mesmerising reflections as the brass leaves shimmer in motion. “We wanted to design a fixture to capture the essence of movement in a simple, natural way – just like the gentle rustling of wind through leaves,” says Guyon.
The kinetic element is a cornerstone of the Saule collection, imbuing each fixture with a sense of life and dynamism. The movement encourages interaction, allowing the light to breathe with its environment and subtly shifting the mood of the space it inhabits. The fixture’s organic elegance is amplified by the sculptural composition, where the brass arches rise like tree branches, bringing both volume and height.
“For a long time, we have wanted to incorporate mobility into our fixtures, to create a visual dance reminiscent of nature’s rhythm. The inspiration from the willow trees led us to explore designs that allow for movement within the light, reflecting the dynamic interplay between light and shadow,” says Larose. “Throughout the design process, we focused on capturing the essence of the willow tree’s beauty, ensuring that each piece in the Saule collection embodies grace while providing functional lighting. This journey has not only elevated our artistry but also reinforced our commitment to creating designs that connect with nature’s poetry.”
Adding to the fixture’s delicate balance is a soft pink glass globe, which serves as the light source. Paired with a smaller, suspended globe, this design detail is evocative of delicate ripened fruit and introduces gentle warmth and depth. The subtle contrast of glass and metal adds complexity and charm – each choice in material is thoughtfully considered to elevate the composition.
Creating Saule was a year-long endeavour filled with exploration and refinement. The design process guided by a desire to echo nature’s forms and imperfections, embracing asymmetry, texture, and movement. Jewellery-like details, including brass chains and golden finishes, enhance its overall aesthetic, resulting in pieces that feel both precious and grounded.
Each brass leaf is meticulously handcrafted in Larose Guyon’s Verchères studio, where their team of artisans shape the metal to evoke the fluidity of nature. The process is detailed and time-intensive, beginning with the selection of high-quality materials and continuing through refined techniques that produce rich textures and lifelike forms. Much like fine jewellery-making, the work requires exceptional precision, care, and an artistic eye. “Each leaf is treated like a miniature sculpture,” the team explains, “imbued with both artistry and intention.”
The process of creating the leaves begins with a tightly woven fabric made from brass fibres. Each leaf is individually hand-cut, ensuring that no two pieces are alike. Once cut, the leaves are pressed into a custom-designed mould, created by Guyon and 3D printed in-house, to imprint a rich, textured surface. After moulding, every leaf is hand-shaped to create a natural, organic flow, allowing the brass fabric to move and settle like real foliage. This meticulous, hands-on process highlights the craftsmanship at the heart of Saule, bringing a sense of authenticity to each fixture.
Maintaining consistency while honouring the individuality of each handcrafted element is a balance Larose Guyon has refined over the past decade. Their experienced team adheres to rigorous quality standards without compromising the organic beauty that makes each piece unique. The result is lighting that transcends function – each fixture is a shimmering work of art.
Available in a variety of sizes and configurations, the Saule collection was designed with versatility in mind. This stems from the founders’ backgrounds in interior design and their deep understanding of spatial needs.
“We understand the importance of adaptable design,” they note. “By offering multiple variations, Saule can seamlessly integrate into a range of interiors, from expansive entryways to cosy, intimate spaces.”
Larose adds: “When it comes to design, there are no strict rules. That’s the beauty of using our pieces, they can elevate and transform any space.”
This adaptability is key to Saule’s charm. Envisioned as the “jewellery of interior spaces,” the collection enhances any room much like a statement necklace elevates an outfit. Whether placed in minimalist, modern, rustic, or eclectic settings, the fixture’s fluid elegance transcends stylistic boundaries. The founders add, “our pieces are made to transform and elevate any environment.”
At its heart, Saule is designed to inspire. It invites people to pause, reflect, and connect both with nature and with the artisanal craftsmanship behind each detail. The hope is that every piece sparks a sense of wonder, offering a serene and timeless presence that lingers long after the light is switched off. With Saule, Larose Guyon captures nature’s poetry in motion and brings it into the home.
Images: Larose Guyon, Chanel Sabourin
ATEA and Arup win [d]arc awards installation competition
(UK) – The winner of this year’s highly anticipated [d]arc awards installation competition has been announced: ‘Ten Years in Neon’, a striking collaboration between ATEA and Arup.
Created to mark 10 years of the [d]arc awards, the installation reflects on social, political, and cultural shifts of the past decade. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling format of the Bayeux Tapestry, the piece reinterpreted modern history through a continuous narrative of neon.
From global protests and climate crises to moments of collective joy and resilience, the installation weaved these themes into a luminous tapestry of colour and form. Initially presenting as a vibrant pop-art piece, it gradually revealed deeper layers of meaning, prompting reflection on the pride, sorrow, hope, and anxiety that have shaped recent memory.
Part of the annual [d]arc awards celebration, which this year took place in Woolwich, London – the installation competition continues to be one of the most exciting and creative showcases in architectural lighting. The 2025 edition saw a dynamic range of submissions from talented design teams, all of whom transformed the venue into their creations of light, energy, and imagination.
Other installations from the night included:
Rako Controls & AE7 – The Voyage So Far
Unibox & Buro Happold – The Choice
Radiant Architectural Lighting & dpa lighting consultants – Piece of Cake
Kingfisher & Foster + Partners – Puzzle
Signify & Hoare Lea – [d]ecastrike.
Lutron & Jan Erika – X
formalighting & Michael Grubb Studio – TEN-tacles
Tryka & Nulty – Pendula
Vivalyte & Speirs Major Light Architecture – Power of Ten
Artemide & WSP – Reflexions
Lone Bødker Pedersen
Product Manager at Danish lighting brand Nordlux speaks with darc about the design aesthetics and culture the brand adhere’s to, along with her role in trend predictions and material selection within the company.
stablished in 1977, Danish brand Nordlux has since grown to produce and distribute lighting across more than 50 countries. With a passion for inspiring people to make the most of lighting, it is dedicated to bringing great lighting with top-end technology at a competitive cost for a wide audience.
The Nordlux Group consists of three brands: Nordlux, Design For The People, and Energetic. Nordlux provides attractive, value-for-money light sources and luminaires, while Design For The People focuses on award-winning Danish design products. Energetic provides LED products (mostly lamps) with the newest technology.
Speaking with darc, Lone Bødker Pedersen at Nordlux discusses her journey into the design world and how she became Product Manager at the brand.
Bødker Pedersen grew up in Aalborg, Denmark, where she continues to live with her husband and two boys. Aside from her career in product design, she has a keen interest in the world of fashion and interiors while also taking pleasure in spending time with her family, travelling, and CrossFit.
“I studied business but didn’t go on to university,” she says. “[But] I think I knew from an early age my career would be in something creative. I grew up surrounded by a family passionate about the arts, but I gravitated most to my grandmother, who was a tailor. She taught me how to sew and about the differences in materials, patterns, and spotting trends. As I grew up, my passion for interiors grew, and I knew I could uplift these skills to guide my career.
“I started my early career working in fashion, where I quickly worked up the ranks to a management position and then on to be a buyer. This is where I realised I have a passion and keen eye for colours and materials, and looking further ahead than the current trends. My interest in interiors then led me to a sales role at a design practice where I was able to use my skills from the fashion industry, and where I really found my career focus. Doing such versatile roles gave me a well-rounded perspective on the challenges within interior design and the products I was working with.
“Lighting has always been a fascination of mine, and the impact it has on a space. This prompted my move to Nordlux where I started in Press and Brand focus, which gave me a great understanding of the company culture and DNA. I would be asked my opinion on product launches, future planning ideas, trends within the market, and it felt very natural for me to give my perspective and ideas, which led me to my current position here at Nordlux.
“I’m currently in charge of all the creative material and design briefs for our external designers for decorative lighting. I also visit the various shows across the globe that cover lighting and interiors to keep up to date and know what’s new. I work closely with our technical manager, who helps with structural elements and the finer details. Also, I’m working with our suppliers to follow the production and quality very closely from the initial design, to receiving material swatches, to the first product sample, if there are changes or adaptations needed, right through to the final, ready-to-sell product. I also oversee the design protection and trademark of product names.”
When it comes to trend predictions and market responses to product launches, Bødker Pedersen takes inspiration from her travels. “A mix of many things inspires me, but I would say travel inspires me most; capturing how different cities make trends their own, from architecture, interiors and fashion. I also take inspiration from the traditional styles from the past, walking through Milan or Paris and observing the classic, vintage lighting and thinking how it can be adapted to a more contemporary look, tastefully pulling the past into the present. For me, Italian designers from the 1950s and 1960s produced some of the best design ever made, and that goes for lighting, furniture, and perhaps even fashion.”
When it comes to inspiration for a new design at Nordlux, the team takes inspiration from the brand’s Danish heritage and contemporary view on lighting. “We have also developed a design DNA that is established by key phrases we stick to in the process, ‘made to last’ being one. Lighting that lasts for many years and is timeless in its design. I look at materials that age well, that adapt to different settings and consider them based on the overview of CO2 emission as well. We also try to keep our decorative option retro-fit, but will base the decision to use integrated LED if we feel the design requires it.”
Bødker Pedersen continues, explaining how a light is so much more than an accessory or piece of furniture. “Light for me is a mood maker to a room, it’s the final touch, and without these light spots, there would be no feelings. There is a rule from Frida Ramstedt’s Interior Design Handbook that says we should have five to seven lighting points in every room, more than what we initially think. It’s how we can create light and shadow to give the space depth and atmosphere, and how the true effect and colour of the other elements like paint and fabrics are seen to our naked eye.
“For me, lighting should bring atmosphere and the finishing touches to a space. We have a Danish term called Hygge, which means cosy and content. For example, at home I will always switch just my Talli floor lamp on in the corner of the living room, this light is just hygge for me, I really love the ambience it creates and what makes my home feel more than just a home, but a cosy place for me to enjoy.”
Reinforcing the idea of longevity, she goes on to explain that a product’s “made to last” quality is one of the key elements a well-designed product should hold. “For me, it’s a mix of the design itself but also the way the materials work together and how they are put together, which of course needs to maintain functionality and look aesthetically pleasing in every setting.”
When asked whether she has a signature design aesthetic and if that influences the brand’s direction, Bødker Pedersen explains that she aims to route everything back to the Scandinavian and Danish way of working. “What is significant to us and our best successes is when we work with the mixing of materials, for example, the Strap series combines metal, leather and now felt. We also provide different colours of the leather so the end user can decide this on installation to complete the look. We see this works well and will continue to work this way. We also mix the shapes we use, both organic and geometric, to create a counterbalance effect within the collection.”
Continuing, Bødker Pedersen explains that one of the most frustrating aspects of product design is realising when a design cannot be brought to fruition as you intended, despite many iterations and attempts. “[This is especially true] with lighting, where we want the light output to be beautiful and uniform.”
On the flip side, she adds: “The most rewarding part is receiving the feedback from our internal team, our customers, and the interior designers and then seeing how our lights are used on such a variety of projects, both residential and commercial.”
With reference to technology, like many, she regards fixed LEDs as one of the best and worst developments within product design. “It has been so innovative to create new designs and shapes, however, we have found a market that still very much prefers the retrofit option, and it’s finding the balance to meet the needs of the end-user but not having to compromise on great design.”
Reflecting on one of the most significant moments in her career, Bødker Pedersen highlights her work on the Glossy table lamp, the first product she launched. “I worked with Danish designer Maria Berntsen, who thought of a small acrylic table lamp with a mushroom shade that was initially for outdoor use. However, I found something within the shape so distinct and recognisable, so I wanted it to be more exclusive in the materials chosen and change it to an interior lamp. We looked at what materials would work and have the right effect, which led us to look at marble for the base. We then added the small brass detailing and developed the shiny, or should I say glossy, glass shade. Our Technical Manager also developed the inner side of the shade so there would be no dark spots or shadows. I feel the product is my total darling. It has won a Red Dot design award, and we have now developed it further, creating a mini version using Pink Jade, which I found inspiration for at Clerkenwell Design Week 2024, where I saw many coloured stones with that almost translucent effect.”
Summing up what it means to work with light, Bødker Pedersen describes it as “life-changing” yet retracts that for sounding too cheesy! “Light has such a big effect on so many people, so I do stand by that, even though it is just light. We are actually doing something to change people’s lives. We are lifting people’s quality of life with light.”
Catching up on current trends, we asked what Bødker Pedersen is observing in the industry at the moment. “I would say shape-wise, it seems to be chubby shapes and volume items that fill up a space. In lighting, we are seeing bigger pendants that fit this, too. Materials like fabric, in particular Linen and Tyvek, are also popular. I feel the fabric gives the same experience as opal glass, where the light is warm, and we can appreciate it most. Regarding colours, it is the warm, earthy tones. Black is not as popular at the moment and is being replaced with more chocolate brown tones. I also think we will still see burgundy even later in the year, as it has been dominated in fashion, and I think it will follow in interiors. Chrome and stainless steel were among the top trends at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen last year, and I think we will continue to see these cooler metals. Wood has never been out of style, but we are seeing a shift from the lighter wood to the darker, which adds warmth and richness to the products.”
Looking ahead, what can we expect from Nordlux? “We will continue with our current successes, but we will be looking into new materials, moving away from metals and looking more at stone and fabric and the more organic materials. In terms of colours, we will be continuing with the neutral none-white pallet, such as beige and brown. We will also move away from the brushed and shiny brass and look more at the antique brass, which I feel is more timeless.”
Catch some of the brand’s timeless pieces on show at Clerkenwell Design Week this May in the Light exhibition at the House of Detention.